14K Gold 1950's Elgin

[Karimn51]

Here is a watch given to me by a friend. Only needed to be cleaned and lubricated. . This watch is from the 1950's, 17 jewel automatic. Caliber elgin 645. The dial is cream colored but around the center some of the color is gone showing white. I am not going to mess with the dial. Probably better to have the original versus a dial that has been redone.

[Geo]

The dial is cream colored but around the center some of the color is gone showing white. I am not going to mess with the dial. Probably better to have the original versus a dial that has been redone.

I'm with you on this and welcome to the forum!

[WillFly]

I love early Elgin watches. Yours looks to be from the days when they stopped using American movements and moved over gradually to Swiss movements. My guess is that the movement in yours is American. I wouldn't mess with the dial either - you can clean and polish away history that way!

Edited April 25, 2014 by WillFly

[WillFly]

Here's my Elgin grade 683 from 1952 - same period as yours and also with an American movement.

 

 

Edited April 25, 2014 by WillFly

[autowind]

Both fine watches and it's nice to know they have gone to good homes.  Thousands of fine watches have ended up in the bin just so the gold case can be melted down,  almost a crime against humanity.  Would be punishable by flogging if I made the laws.

[Karimn51]

I love your watch WillFly. The dial is in excellent condition. The lugs on the watch are very pleasing to the eye. Thanks for sharing. Haven't seen one like that before.